The first flag football season concluded with a trip to the State Special Olympics Flag Football Championship in London, Ohio, on Nov. 4.

Submitted

The first flag football season concluded with a trip to the State Special Olympics Flag Football Championship in London, Ohio, on Nov. 4. Ten athletes, Conner DiGenova, Easton Dillon, Michael Ferrebee, Craig Gordon, Steve Hazelip, Cliff Jackson, Allison Roth, Rachel Russell, Logan Wise and Shane York, under the coaching of Coney DiGenova, faced teams from Lucas County and Westerville. For their efforts they garnered fourth-place honors.

While they would have loved to win gold, Logan Wise said, “We were brave in the attempt.”

The aquatics team competed in the Area 9 Swim Meet at Steubenville High School on Oct. 29. The Rockets came away with several medals for their efforts. Athletes were divisioned based upon their age and gender.

The 4-by-25 freestyle traditional relay consisting of Joey Fulton, Chance Iannone, Donovan Nolan and Emma Ward won gold as did the 4-by-25 medley unified relay comprised of Kim Civiello, Cady Harlan, Nate Kamban and Elise Thompson. The 4-by-25 freestyle unified relay team made up of Abby Cool, Diana DeMonte, Shar Miller and Kelly Wells won a silver medal for their efforts.

Almost all athletes achieved personal records for their events as well. Twelve athletes (the members of the three relay teams) have been selected to represent Tuscarawas County Special Olympics at the State Aquatics Meet to be held at the Ohio State University on Dec. 9 and 10.

Rockets basketball began Nov. 1. The Rockets will be able to field two competitive teams this year as well as a skills team. Coaches will be Doug McConnell, Ashley Metzcar, Nick Miller and Shar Miller. Michala Metzcar, Jack Oberholzer, Keilan Patterson and Dalton Sprowl also will assist.

Bob Glasgow will serve as a consultant for the Rockets, bringing his years of experience as a referee and coach to the court. The Rockets Pep Club also will be back in action; they will be under the direction of Sydnee Peters, Rhonda VanFossen, Julie Erwin, Kat Arthurs and Taylor Young.

Admission to every game is free, and there will be a small concession stand and raffles at each home game as well. The State Special Olympics Basketball Tournament will be held in Tuscarawas County this year.

Those interested in announcing the games, performing the national anthem, serving at the concession stand or bringing a group to do a special halftime performance may call Richelle Lefler at 330-308-7173 or email tuscarawascountyspecialolympic@gmail.com.